(a) whether the Government has conducted a comprehensive assessment of renewable energy
potential in the North-East region;
(b) if so, the details thereof, source-wise;
(c) whether Small Hydro Plant [SHP] and Biomass are the best available renewable energy
resources in the North-East India; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to promote renewable energy in the region?
MINISTER FOR NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)
(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. Based on various studies undertaken, a potential of 2599 MW for small
hydro power, 600 MW for wind power, 261 MW for biomass power and 16 MW for waste to power
have been estimated in the North Eastern Region. Details of the estimated potential are
given in Annexure.
(c)&(d): Small hydro has the highest potential in the North Eastern Region. The region also
has fairly good potential of wind , solar and biomass.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is giving special emphasis to promote renewable energy
in the North Eastern Region. So far, small hydro projects of 304 MW capacity have been set up
in the region. Biomass gasifier systems of 7,333 kWe capacity, 5,775 solar street lighting
systems, 87,318 home lighting systems, 1,53,243 solar lanterns, 313 solar photovoltaic pumps
and 1,41,612 biogas plants have been deployed in the North Eastern Region. The Ministry is
giving highest rate of subsidy in all its schemes/programmes for the North Eastern Region.